THE launch of the Great Tapestry of Scotland gallery in Galashiels has sparked debate on the prevalence, or otherwise, of Scottish history (Gallery aims to boost knowledge of history, December 1).
It seems the symbolism of a tapestry has been missed, for Scottish history is intrinsically linked with local, regional, British, European and World history. A delicate balance has to be maintained and any attempt to tilt the balance can be seen as an overtly politicised act.
It is ironic that I spent part of my mid-career working with policy-makers and practitioners in post-war and “at threat of conflict” hotspots sharing multi-perspective curriculum design approaches. It now seems that concept, coined by Scots academic Professor Bob Stradling, is needed in our own country.
READ MORE: New Scottish national gallery aims to boost knowledge of history
Learners need to know local, national and global perspectives. It is the only way to ensure there is balance in viewing our history and that we don’t lose sight of the human stories in the clamour for nationalist narratives.
Effective pedagogies and progressive curricula will enhance knowledge of the past, not propaganda and politicisation.
History has been perverted in a number of ways recently. Social media coverage on Winston Churchill wrongly blames him for events in Glasgow’s George Square in 1919 and the 1940 St Valery surrender. This is despite substantial evidence to the contrary.
This week many celebrated St Andrew’s Day, but few will know there was once a green-and-white saltire. Our recent book Conquered By No One explores the lives of the1320 Arbroath sealants, revealing mixed motivations from patriotism to parochialism.
We must ensure parochialism does not ensue as we continue to acknowledge and develop Scotland’s great connections with the wider world.
Neil McLennan
Former President of Scottish Association of Teachers of History
Why are you making commenting on The National only available to subscribers?
We know there are thousands of National readers who want to debate, argue and go back and forth in the comments section of our stories. We’ve got the most informed readers in Scotland, asking each other the big questions about the future of our country.
Unfortunately, though, these important debates are being spoiled by a vocal minority of trolls who aren’t really interested in the issues, try to derail the conversations, register under fake names, and post vile abuse.
So that’s why we’ve decided to make the ability to comment only available to our paying subscribers. That way, all the trolls who post abuse on our website will have to pay if they want to join the debate – and risk a permanent ban from the account that they subscribe with.
The conversation will go back to what it should be about – people who care passionately about the issues, but disagree constructively on what we should do about them. Let’s get that debate started!
Callum Baird, Editor of The National
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules hereLast Updated:
Report this comment Cancel